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Monday, July 31, 2017

Having established a reliable internet connection in Quebec I am now able to post at will. I won't be posting every day, but today's superb weather made for some good photo opportunities.

There were many ships in the river today, and with an incoming tide late in the afternoon, lighting was ideal. At my location about 90 miles northeast of Quebec City, most ships time their upbound trips to take advantage of a knot or two of rising tide. This may not seem like a lot, but the alternative is to fight a falling tide, which can be considerably stronger, especially at pinch points like Ile-aux-Coudres and Quebec City.

First upbound that I caught was NCC Noor, a 29,163 grt, 45,565 dwt mid-range tanker of the National Chemical Carriers fleet of Saudi Arabia, now part of the "Bahri" brand. Nevertheless it flies the Panama flag.

It was built in 2011 by SLS Shipbuilding Co in Tongyeong, South Korea.

Next along was the Wagenborg ship Aragonborg. Its destination was the nearby wharf at Pointe-au-Pic, where it will be paper for export to Europe. Royal Wagenborg is one of the prime forest product carriers.

It was built in 2010 by Hudong-Zhonghua in Shanghai and measures 11,885 grt, 17,294 dwt. It has moveable tween decks and three 60 tonne cranes. After a few days loading paper from the Resolute mill in Clermont, it will sail to Baie-Comeau to take on more.

A few minutes later it was another mid-range tanker BW Osprey, 290,768 grt, 49,999 dwt, built in 2015 by SPP Shipbuilding Co in Goseong, South Korea.

The distinctive hull colours of BW Tankers from Singapore certainly sets them out from the rest. BW apparently stands for Bergesen Worldwide, a name adopted by World Wide Shipping (of Hong Kong) when it acquired Bergesen of Norway. It is presently has the world's largest fleet of VLCCs.

The last upbound in daylight was Algoma Integrity. After a lengthy winter layup in Montreal it has only recently resumed service carrying iron ore from Port-Cartier to Contrecouer in a constant shuttle service.

The former Gypsum Integrity to 2015t it was built in 2009 to sail from Hantsport, NS, but that was a short-lived job. After US Gypsum shut down its mine nearby the ship was chartered out and eventually sold.
Built in Rio de Janeiro by EISA-Ilha it measures 33,047 grt, 47,701 dwt.

Friday, July 28, 2017

Watch for the Atlantic Pilotage Authority's new pilot boats. As mentioned in a previous post, crews are putting the boats through their paces before they go into service.

This morning the Nova Pilot was on trials at pier 23. Expect to see them accompanying ships out to the pilot station, but not actually boarding pilots. Nova Pilot and Scotia Pilot will replace the venerable A.P.A.No.1 in Halifax and be available to replace other boats as they go in for refits.

A.P.A.No.1 (left) will be replaced. The new boats have heated decks and rails which will make it safer for pilots in freezing spray conditions. Chebucto Pilot (right) was built with heated decks and rails, but they have not functioned properly. (February 14, 2017 photo)

Thursday, July 27, 2017

Veendam outbound in the main channel, Reykjafoss (Eimskip) inbound in the western channel, Fritz Reuter (Melfi) oubound in the western channel and Vega Omega (Tropical) outbound in the main channel.

Shipfax will be going off watch, as far as Halifax Harbour is concerned, for the next few weeks. Periodic reports may follow, but they will be few and far between and may be filed from far away places.

Thanks to everyone who came to my exhibition, which is now closed. Thanks also for the many kind comments. If you missed it, I hope to have an online version sometime this fall.

Tuesday, July 25, 2017

The large autocarrier Themis made its first call in Halifax today, on a very gloomy morning. It stopped first at pier 31 to unload some wheeled machinery and in the afternoon moved to Autoport to unload cars.

As soon as the ship was made fast it began to lower its giant stern ramp.

Built in 2016 by Hyundai Samho, the ship has a capacity of 8,000 cars, but can carry a variety of RoRo cargo too. Its 320 tonne capacity stern ramp allows for some very heavy loads. The ship is owned by Toda Shipping and managed by MMS Co Ltd. It sails for Wilhelmsen Lines under the Wallenius Wilhelmsen banner. Its gross tonnage is 75,283 with a deadweight tonnage of 23,786.

Monday, July 24, 2017

This may be my final posting on the Atlantic Conveyor except perhaps for a report that she has headed for the scrap yard. Her arrival today is likely her last westbound trip, and since I will be away when she makes the return eastbound call next week, today was also my last chance to see the ship.
As the last Atlantic Container Liners (ACL) G3 in operation it is worth repeating some of the history that I have recounted before.

Atlantic Conveyor passes Meagher's Beach this moring, to be joined by its escort tug Spitfire III.

The ship was launched July 12, 1984 at Swan Hunter on the Waalsend-Neptune yard on the Tyne and made her maiden call in Halifax February 1, 1985. Named Atlantic Conveyor by her owners, Cunard Steam Ship Co Ltd, she was was the second ship to carry that name. The first Atlantic Conveyor was also a product of Swan Hunter Shipbuilders Ltd from their Walker yard in Newcastle in 1970. It was one of the second generation (G2) series built for service with ACL and was a regular Halifax caller.

The first Atlantic Conveyor taking water at the pier 36 RoRo ramp. This was its regular berth until the Halterm container terminal was completed.

A steam turbine ship, it needed to replenish its fresh water supply from time to time..

It served ACL until 1982 when it was requistioned by the UK Minister of Defence for service in the Falklands War. Fitted out to carry military supplies, it was not armed. On May 26, 1982 it was struck by two exocet missiles from Argentinian aircraft. Unspent propellant ignited a fire that gutted the ship, killing twelve including the ship's long time master, Capt. Ian North, well known in Halifax. The seven helicopters that were on board were also destroyed and many other supplies. Prince Andrew witnessed the strike and was first on scene in his helicopter to lift off survivors. It sank a few days later in tow.

A few months before lenghtening, Atlantic Conveyor arrives in Halifax.

The second Atlantic Conveyor arrived at Scott Lithgow Ltd in Greenock, Scotland July 14, 1987 and was lengthened 42m (to 291.92m) , increasing its capacity substantially. RoRo capacity was increased by 3570m2, containers by 336 TEU (to 2908) , cars by 500 units, and its engine increased by 3,670 bhp (to 27,398 bhp) . That engine, a massive 6 cylinder B+W was built under license by John G. Kincaid, also in Greenock. The ship was already distinguished by the turtleback cowl over its forepeak - unique amongst all the ACL G3s. All the other G3s were lengthened by Hyundai Mipo.

Through the various re-arrangements of ownership of ACL, Atlantic Conveyor has at various times flown the British and Bahamas flags, but since 2003 it has flown the Swedish flag, as ownership is vested in Atlantic Container Lines AB, which in turn is owned by the Grimaldi Group.

Sunday, July 23, 2017

With the annual Shipfax vacation about to start soon, it seems like a good time to do a small round up of pending events.

The Atlantic Pilotage Authority has acquired a pair of high speed pilot boats to supplement their fleet. The boats were built in the Netherlands and had seen service for Sima Charters in the UK before they were acquired this spring. Their trip to Halifax was an interesting one. From the port of Waalhaven, they were lifted aboard the Icelandic cargo ship Bakkafoss on June 17. On arrival in Reykjavik they were unloaded and then transferred to the Reykjafoss for the trip to Halifax. On arrival here July 1 they were unloaded and moved to Dominion Diving's facility at Dartmouth Cove for final fit out.

The two boats have now been renamed Nova Pilot (the former SC Lynx) and Scotia Pilot (ex SC Cheetah) both were built in Huesden, Netherlands by ShipInstall BV. Although they are built to the same basic design they are slightly different.

Nestled in at Dartmouth Cove, the pair have recovery platforms on the stern and lifting cradles to recover persons from the water.

Nova Pilot was built in 2010 and is powered by two Volvo engines totalling 1144 kW (1400 hp) and driving a pair of Rolls Royce water jets for a top speed of 24 knots.

Scotia Pilot was built in 2011 (according the previous owners, but 2012 according to Transport Canada) and is powered by a pair of Caterpillar engines totaling 1304 kW (1748 hp) and driving a pair of Rolls Royce waterjets for a maximum speed of 26 knots.

The boats are both 18.5m long by 5.6m breadth with a draft of 21.1m and can carry 12 persons with a range of about 300 miles.
They are also fitted with second steering station outside and extensive man overboard recovery gear. Other fittings include heated deck and hand rails.

Scotia Pilot returning from a practice run with the outbound Ningdo Express in the Middle Ground area, but the regular pilot boat Chebucto Pilot did the actual disembarking at the pilot station.

The ferry Dartmouth III has completed drydocking in Sambro, but is still undergoing some work alongside the government wharf. The new owners plan to sail the vessel to Toronto via the Gulf of St.Lawrence with many stops along the way.

Amongst the fishing vessels at the Sambro government wharf, Dartmouth III looks very much out of place. Sharp eyes will detect that its name is applied to a plate which presumably covers a new name that will not be revealed until it reaches its now home in Toronto.

Speaking of long trips through the St.Lawrence system, the little bunkering tanker Arca I that got into trouble last winter and ran ashore in Cape Breton, has finally departed from Sydney on its way to its new home in Mexico. This time it is on board the heavy lift ship HHL Tokyo departing Sydney July 19 and now travelling in comfort and safety.

An interesting yacht visited Halifax last week, and sailed this morning, so if you didn't see it, here are some photos.

Silver Cloud is the world's first SWATH type yacht. The Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull design uses small diameter twin hulls to reduce water plane area and increase efficiency through the water. The two cylindrical hulls (11 feet in diameter in the case of the Silver Cloud) are bridged by the ship's deck making a roomy and stable catamaran.

This one was built in 2008 by Abeking and Rasmussen in Lemwerder, Germany and measures 134 feet long x 58 feet wide, and has generous accommodation for five guests and five crew. It features all the usual amenities and bells and whistles and can accommodate a small helicopter (of course).

With a Latin dance party going on at full blast on the adjacent dock, I hope the yachters had good sound proofing.

This is not the first SWATH type craft to call in Halifax,. In fact one of the earliest SWATHs is CCGS Federick G. Creed, built by Swath Ocean Systems Inc of San Diego, CA in 1988 and lease / purchased by the Minister of Fisheries and Oceans in 1989. Although it sailed out of Halifax for a time it has been based at the Maurice Lamontagne Institute in Mont Joli, QC and rarely leaves the confines of Gulf of St.Lawrence conducting marine research.

As originally painted in white oceanographic colours, Frederick G. Creed approaches a dock in Halifax.

In Fisheries and Oceans colours, and as a Coast Guard ship, the vessels passes George's Island inbound to Halifax.

Friday, July 21, 2017

The auto carrier Siem Cicero made its first arrival in Halifax today on its first revenue trip (aka its maiden voyage).

The ship was launched as recently as November 12, 2016 by Uljanik shipyard in Pula, Croatia, one of three new auto carriers under construction for Auto Marine Transport Inc of the Cayman Islands. It is on charter to and managed by Siem Car Carriers Inc of Norway. (The Siem group of companies includes Secunda Marine of Halifax and St.John's and is active in offshore work among other shipping interests).

The ship was delivered about June 30 and voyaged to Emden, Germany where it took on its first load. While sailing on July 13 it lost its ability to steer, through some sort of software glitch and ran aground in the River Ems. It was pulled off without damage and was able to resume its trip the next day.

The ship measure 56,677 grt and 17,416 dwt and has a capacity of approximately 7,000 cars.

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

Two ships named for people arrived in Halifax today. Most ocean going ships are not named for people (with the exception of some well known passenger ships) so it is is always interesting to find out who the people were.

First arriving was Akadenik Ioffe one of two Russian oceanographic/passenger ships operated by One Ocean Expeditions for arctic expedition cruises in Canada this summer. Akademik Ioffe was built in 1985 by Hollming in Rauma, Finland and is owned an operated by the Shirshov Institute. It carries 96 passengers, 65 crew and 10 Zodiacs, and is fitted with stabilizers. Its four northern cruises this summer out of Iqaluit and Resolute will cover much of the eastern arctic and end in Greenland. For this the ship received a coasting license as did sister Akademik Sergey Vavilov which will conduct similar cruises.

Akademik Ioffe at pier 27 - not a usual pier for cruise ships- taking on stores. The shadow from the grain gallery at pier 28 falls across its bridge.

Akademik Ioffe is named for a leading Physicist of the Soviet era, Abram Fedorovich Ioffe (1880-1960) , a student of Roentgen (credited with development of the X-ray) and an early developer of the basis of radar. His many other achievement lead to Lenin and Stalin medals, but his Jewish ancestry (he converted to Lutheranism as an adult ) lead to a demotion. Nevertheless he is well remembered as a pioneer in many areas of physics.

The is not listed in the Port of Halifax cruise ships statistics because it is one a positioning voyage, and is here for stores. Its first of four cruises in the Canadian arctic depart from Iqaluit July 25.

The second caller named for a person is a more familiar visitor to Halifax. Radcliffe R. Latimer is here to load gypsum, but must wait at anchor until the CSL Tacoma finishes loading tonight.
The ship was built in 1978 by Collingwood Shipayrd as Algobay a "Nova Scotia class" self-unloading bulk carrier. Built to maximum allowable St. Lawrence Seaway size, it was also designed to make Atlantic coastal voyages. In 1990 it was reflagged Liberian and chartered to Atlantic Beltships, then after a 1994-1997 charter to CSL as Atlantic Trader under Liberian flag, it returned to Canada and resumed services as Algobay until 2002 when it was laid up in Toronto.

In early 2008 it underwent extensive strengthening and was towed to China where an entire new forebody (to revised and larger Seaway dimensions), engines and generators were installed. It returned to Canada in time for the 2010 season.

In 2012 the ship was renamed Radcliffe R. Latimer in honour of the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Algoma Central Corp. Mr. Latimer retired in 2010 after a distinguished business career with, among others CN Rail, Trans Canada Pipeline, and Prudential Assurance. He lead the growth of Algoma Central Marine to the largest Canadian Great Lakes shipping company, it diversification into tankers and its fleet renewal program has seen many new ships added to the fleet. Born in 1933 in Florance, ON he now resides in Toronto.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Another "new to Nirint" ship arrived last night with a load of nickel and sailed late this afternoon. The ship is Atlantic Patriot, an sister ship to Atlantic Pioneer and Atlantic Progress that have called here before under several different names.

This is the first time for Atlantic Patriot under its present name or any of its four previous names.
It was built in 2003 by New Century Shipbuilding Co in Jinjiang, China and is a multi-purpose type with removable tween decks and a pair of 45 tonne cranes. It has a container capacity of 1118 TEU and measures 12,993 grt, 17,471 dwt.

It was originally named Atlantic Progress and has been renamed to suit various charterers ever since. In 2003 it became BBC Russia, in 2008 Federal Patriot, in 2010 HAL Patriot and took its present name in 2013. It has remained under the ownership of Intership Navigation and is registered in Limassol, Cyprus.
There was dense fog when the ship sailed, so no underway photo was possible, but there are photos of its sister ship in previous posts:

Monday, July 17, 2017

As I was taking a photo of ACL's G4 ship Atlantic Sail leaving Halifax yesterday, another event was unfolding on the other side of the Atlantic. The G3 ACL ship Atlantic Cartier was sailing from Hamburg bound for Alang, India. It has a date with the scrappers on August 18.

That leaves only one G3 ACL ship still in service, Atlantic Conveyor, which left Liverpool on the same day July 16, and is due in Halifax July 24 on the westbound leg of what is likely to be its last trip.

The five third generation ships, regular callers in Halifax for thirty years, have almost become part of the landscape. (That is why one of them has been featured on the masthead of this blog).

Atlantic Cartier - named from the French explorer out of Saint Malo, who first visited what is now Canada, in 1535- was aptly named by its original owners Cie Generale Transatlantique when it was built in 1985 by Chantier du Nord et de la Mediterranée in Dunkerque. It has soldiered on through lengthening and various incidents including a serious fire, and the evolution of the original ACL owners to today's Grimaldi Group. It was due to be replaced a year ago, so has certainly been on borrowed time.

Among the ship's more memorable calls in Halifax was in April 1987 when it steamed out through drift ice, without the assistance of CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, which has standing by just in case.

Sunday, July 16, 2017

Cargo with wheels keeps rolling in and out of Halifax. Arriving for Autoport Dalian Highway is one of a few PCTCs (Pure Car and Truck Carriers) built in China. It came from the Nantong COSCO KHI in 2011 and measures 58,535 grt, 21,616 dwt and sails for K-Line's huge fleet of car carriers.

A thick bank of fog lies offshore as Dalian Highway works its way into port.

Arriving early this morning and sailing mid-afternoon, Atlantic Sail is a combination of Roll On-Roll Off and container ship entered service in 2016 and is the second of five ships of its type The the fifth, Atlantic Sun is reported to be in Dunkerque, France in drydock before entering service.

Atlantic Sail was built by Hudong-Zhonghua in Shanghai and measures 100,430 grt, 55,631 dwt.

Saturday, July 15, 2017

A fist time caller Friday was Glen Canyon Bridge another of the many K-Line ships we are seeing now with the new service THE Alliance that has replaced the G6 Alliance. Although HAPAG-Lloyd is a primary partner in the service, their ships are not included in the various strings that call here.

Today's arrival at Fairview Cove is Berlin Bridge another K-Line ship on THE Alliance service, this one on the AL6, Transatlantic run.

Only one crane in operation to work the smaller, more lightly loaded ship.

The Hong Kong flag ship is owned by Seaspan International and chartered to K-Line. It was built in 2011 by Samsung, Koje and measures 46,444 grt, 58,200 dwt, and carries 4526 TEU.

Today at the other end of the port CMA CGM brought in another first time caller, CMA CGM Pelleas on its Columbus loop. The ship dates from 2008 when it was built by Hyundai, Ulsan. At 111,249 grt, 120,854 dwt it has a capacity of 9658 TEU including 700 reefers.

Two tugs alongside are in position to turn the ship to tie up at Halterm, starboard side to.

Although a few hundred boxes short of the 10,000 TEU figure, it is still a large ship. It is owned by the Claus Peter Ofen group of Germany and was renamed Pelleas between 2010 and 2014 only, as it served some other service than CMA CGM.

After the July 1 - July 4 United States Navy presence of an aircraft carrier and three accompanying vessels, this week there was a lone USN ship. Arriving Thursday USS Jason Dunham sailed this afternoon.

An Arleigh Burke class ship it is designated DDG-109 and is homeported in Norfolk, VA.

Halifax is a way point and a destination for all sorts of pleasure craft, from small sailing vessels to large super yachts. The latter usually attract considerable attention (and speculation about the owner). Today's arrival Sycara V registered in Georgetown, Cayman Islands, is certainly a super yacht. Built in 2010 by Nobiskrug in Germany, the 1566 grt vessel can accommodate 14 (not including crew) and is equipped with all imaginable amenities.

Sycara V has been for sale for some time with a sale price originally quoted in the euro 75 mn range, but now reduced to Euro 62.5mn (around $US 71.6mn). If that is too rich for your blood you can charter it for $US 671,000 per week.

Tied up at Salter's wharf, boardwalkers were able to get a close up look.

Roll Out continued...
Following today's restricted open house in which hundreds visited Halifax Shipyard ( and tying up traffic for a mile) workers rolled out mega-block #3 of the future HMCS Harry De Wolf. By late afternoon they had it aligned with mega-block #2.

Friday, July 14, 2017

Today was Roll Out Day at Halifax Shipyard. Crews moved mega-block #2 of the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ship Harry De Wolf from the Assembly Hall to the hardstand at pier 7, where it will be joined to the other two mega-blocks.

Mega-block #2 on dollies, during final positioning.

Mega-block #2 is the midships portion of the ship and includes the engines and the bridge structure.
Mega-block #1, which is the aft section is likely to be rolled out tomorrow. Mega Block #3, the bow section, is still being assembled and will follow.

The structure to the left of the ships (which includes an elevator) allows workers access to the various levels of the ship. The white tower on the far left is the base for a crane.

Workers are in the process of lowering the dollies.

A rare glimpse inside the main assembly hall with mega-block # 3 on the right.

Each mega-block consists of a number of large blocks (nine in mega-block #2). These 21 blocks were assembled from 63 smaller blocks which were built up progressively and moved along in assembly line fashion until roll out.

With the high level of work completed in the blocks the ship is said to be 60% complete. Once the three Mega-blocks are joined and the internal structural connections are made, the ship will be ready to launch in 2018. Launch will be by means of a floating drydock, which is currently under construction off-site.

Final fitting out will be done once the ship is afloat at pier 6, alongside the shipyard.

There will be a restricted open house at the shipyard tomorrow, Saturday, July 15. An invitation process on line was necessary to get a pass for the event. Guest will not be allowed to carry cameras or have any form of back back, fanny pack, computer, and must wear safe footwear, among other requirements.

By mid-evening the multi-wheeled dollies have been removed and the blue cradles are bearing on the ground.

Thursday, July 13, 2017

BBC Nevada arrived in the early hours of the morning at pier 31, and by the time I caught up with it, it had apparently completed its cargo work - possibly loading a heavy lift.
Built in 2006 by Qingsham, Wuhan as Jasper it was quickly renamed Belgua Federation, but equally quickly became Jasper again in the same year. Due to financial irregularities, Beluga shipping failed and its fleet was redistributed. In 2011 the ship was renamed Frida Scan and in 2013 Thorco Diva. Then in 2015 it became BBC Nevadas as it moved into another charter, altough still managed by Thorco Shipping.

Late this afternoon the ship's cranes are re-loading the tween decks hatch covers.

The product tanker Cape Bradley arrived at Imperial Oil after a week at anchor outside.

Built in 2004 as J.Shartava by Hyundai Mipo, UIlsan, the ship was renamed in 2005 and is owned by Cape Parry Shipping Co Ltd, and managed by Columbia Ship Management. It operates in the United Product Tanker (UPT) pool. At 25,108 grt, 40,305 dwt it is a mid-size vessel of the Mid-Range (MR) type.

THE Alliance brought in YM Modesty on its EC5 service. The ship is a 6258 TEU vessel of 71,821 grt, 72,730 dwt. Although sailing for Yang Ming it is owned by Ben More Shipping Inc, an affiliate of Zodiac Marine of London, on long term charter.

ZIM continues to up the ante with ever larger ships. Today's arrival ZIM Ningbo is 91,158 grt, 108,427 dwt with a capacity of 8440 TEU (including 700 reefers). It was built by Hyundai Samho, and is chartered to ZIM by Flamingo Navigation (NSC Shipping).

It needed the large cranes at Halterm, so berthed at pier 41, causing Oceanex Sanderling to anchor for the night.

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

The new pedestrian floating sidewalk, the "Sea Bridge" has finally opened. Spanning between the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Cable Wharf, it allows pedestrians to avoid the big hole at Queen's Wharf that has closed the regular sidewalk on one side of Water Street. That closure has also narrowed the already busy street, creating major traffic jams and forcing pedestrians to cross the street.

From the end of the Maritime Museum wharf, right under the bow of Acadia, the floating sidewalk runs to the Cable Wharf. A Harbour Hopper swings in close to give everyone a closeup.

All this has been brought about by construction of the Queen's Marque a mixed use project that will dominate this part of the waterfront when it opens in a few years.

The new walkway offers a slightly different experience, and if today's foot traffic is any indication, it will be quite popular. Right now it is open in day time only, but when the lighting is installed it will be open until 11 at night. Depending on the wind speed and sea conditions it may be closed from time to time for safety, and it will be towed away into winter storage in the autumn.

The "Sea Bridge" offers some interesting views of the Museum complex and the construction activity.

The excavation in the foreground is for the Queen's Marque project. It is now below sea level and has been dammed off with sheet piles. Workers are in the process of driving deep piles. The white tarp in the background covers stone restoration work on the Dominion Federal Building. A Halifax landmark it once dominated the waterfront, and from its spire provided a commanding view of the harbour. From his post there H.B.Jefferson took the collection of World War II photos displayed on the Public Archives of Nova Scotia web site: https://novascotia.ca/archives/eastcoastport/results.asp?Search=ch3&Language=English#results

As for our own views, the "Sea Bridge" gives us a close up view of the World War I and II veteran Acadia with HMCS (ret'd) Sackville of World War II as a backdrop.

The "Sea Bridge" may be in place for up to three years until Queen's Marque is completed.